After months of reports, speculation, and intrigue Fox finally had the coming out party for their new 24 hour cable sports network, Fox Sports 1, earlier today in New York City. As has been reported for months, FS1 will replace Speed Channel as Fox looks to build a network that can challenge the generation-long dominance of ESPN. Fox Sports President Eric Shanks laid down the gauntlet in today's
announcement:
"Fans are ready for an alternative to the establishment, and our goal for FS1 is to provide the best in-game experience possible, complemented by informative news, entertaining studio shows and provocative original programming.
After the slow start of NBC Sports Network, the mantle has now turned to Fox to provide an alternative in the marketplace. And from today's news, it's clear Fox is starting at a much stronger position than NBC Sports Network, especially in terms of live sports rights. Here's all you need to know about Fox Sports 1...
Launch Date: Saturday,August 17th, 2013. The launch day will have a litany of live sports including a NASCAR truck series race (the spirit of Speed will live on!) and culminating in FS1's first UFC card.
Distribution: 90 million homes. Fox claims it's one of the largest channel launches in television history. To put that in perspective, ESPN and ESPN2 are in about 100 million homes, while NBCSN is in 80 million and CBS Sports Network roughly 50 million. The prominence, longevity, and distribution of Speed Channel is an immense built in advantage for Fox that NBC didn't have with Versus.
UFC: Mixed martial arts will be a cornerstone of Fox Sports 1 with Wednesday nights labeled "Fight Nights" and 12 of them packed through the end of the year from launch.
Fox Sports One will air 12 UFC "Fight Nights" on Wednesdays from Aug 17 through end of year. Bouts will air from 8PM-11PM.
- Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch)
March 5, 2013
Fox has to be encouraged with their UFC on Fuel numbers which just set a
record high in viewership and you know Dana White will love the increased exposure. As long as the cable broadcasts deliver decent cards, FS1 should continue to see positive numbers. Between the FS1 broadcasts, Fox network, and pay per view, UFC may be the biggest winner in partnering with Fox.
College Football & Basketball: While Fox didn't confirm it at launch, the New Big East is on its way to provide the network with a solid stable of basketball coverage along with Pac 12 and Big 12 games. Expect to see games on Monday and Thursday nights as well as the weekends. As far as football goes, you should see any FX games move to FS1. Perhaps the most surprising news in this department is FS1 launching a weekly Thursday night college football game that will compete directly with ESPN and NFL Network in the fall.
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